Western Herald 96-16

WESTERN HERALD S ERVING W ESTERN M ICHIGAN U NIVERSITY

AND

K ALAMAZOO

SINCE

.COM

1916

M ONDAY , O CTOBER 31, 2011 V OL . 96 I SSUE 16

wm

YOU

Orbe sees Obama in a new perspective Tea party members view President Obama as a socialist. Older African American populations can hardly mention his name without shedding a tear of pride.

Young college students are the most likely to see him as just another president.

Dr. Mark Orbe, professor of communication and diversity at WMU, is the author of a new book that surpasses the Orbe s u r f a c e - l aye r public opinion polls and digs deeper to uncover how the general U.S. public perceives Obama.

The goal of his book was to figure out how he could understand other people’s perceptions.

“I wanted to collect stories and perceptions and voices of everyday people because what we see in the media are the extremes,” he said.

-Erin Gignac News Editor Suggest people to be featured in our WMYou feature at newseditor@westernherald.com.

CRIME BLOTTER Via the WMU Department of Public Safety t'PVS ĘPXFS QPUT XFSF TUPlen from the Paper Technology Building at WMU’s Parkview Campus on Oct. 21 at 1:43 p.m. t" CJDZDMF XBT SFQPSUFE stolen from the racks at Rood Hall on Oct. 21 at 4:36 p.m. t" TVCKFDU GPVOE ESJWJOH PO the sidewalk near Haenicke Hall was arrested for operating while intoxicated on Oct. 22 at 3 a.m. t" TVCKFDU XBT BSSFTUFE GPS breaking into the Fetzer Center on Oct. 24 at 1:11 a.m. t" TUPMFO 8.6 TJHO XBT located in a room in Bigelow Hall on Oct. 6 at 10:23 a.m.

The suspects were referred to the Office of Student Conduct.

Anyone with information on these or other crimes should contact the Department of Public Safety.

-Joe Stando

Poll

LAST

WEEK’S

What is your favorite winter activity? a) Sledding (55%) b) Skiing (23%) c) Snowboarding (14%) d) Snowball �ights (2%)

ROTC students re�lect on the end of Iraq war

By Kelly Mason Staff Reporter After almost nine years of hostilities in the Middle East, President Obama officially announced on Friday, Oct. 21, that the United States will complete its withdrawal from Iraq, concluding the war. He stated that the remainder of the troops currently stationed there would be home by the year’s end.

“Over the next two months, our troops in Iraq, tens of thousands of them, will pack up their gear and board convoys for the journey home,” President Obama said in his proclamation. “The last American soldiers will cross the border out of Iraq with their heads held high, proud of their success and knowing that the American people stand united in our support for our troops. That is how America’s military efforts in Iraq will end.”

The United States currently has a Status of Forces Agreement with Iraq that establishes that U.S. combat forces will depart from Iraqi cities by June 30, 2009 and all U.S. forces will be completely out of Iraq by Dec. 31, 2011.

Iraq war veteran and graduate student/instructor Adam Wolfe

way the U.S. will engage the world.

Senior ROTC student Shelley Aurand joined the program because she felt a strong sense of heart to serve in the Army Nursing Corps.

“As one who wears the uniform, I am happy that many of my friends down-range will be coming home to their families and am proud of my fellow service members,” said Aurand.

Militarily, this withdrawal from Iraq means that the U. S. can focus more on the Afghanistan conflict instead of splitting the armed forces.

As a result of this declaration, the relationship between the U.S. and Iraq could vastly improve to the point where Iraq becomes a close ally in the Middle East.

“If Iraq remains stable, then the chances are good that there’s going to be a very good relationship between the US and Iraq because they will have stable government,” Wolfe said.

Conversely, if Iraq falls apart and Americans aren’t there to be blamed, then the country may engage in violence and the situation could quite possibly be worsened, she said.

Freshman ROTC student Lindsay Poikey has relatives in the Air

Force and the Army National Guard, which is what Poikey is joining.

“The war being over made me happy because hopefully that means I won’t get deployed and that’s not something people look forward to or enjoy hearing and it made me more confident in signing my contract to the National Guard,” Poikey said.

However, there are still people who remain skeptical or doubtful of President Obama actually bringing the troops home.

“Saying that they’re not really coming home would almost sound like a conspiracy theory because the promise is being made by someone who has the absolute authority to make it happen,” Wolfe said. “He signs a piece of paper and those troops come home. So they will come home.”

The President emphasized in his comments Friday that the number of troops in Afghanistan is also being reduced. When he first took office there were more than 180,000 soldiers deployed in both wars. By the end of the year, Obama said, that number will be halved. He also said troops would continue to return home under his watch.

Campus trees gone; solar panels up Renewable energy project sparks debate around campus

By Alyssa J. Trager Staff Reporter On Friday morning, nine trees were cut down by the Miller parking ramp. This is the first step in installing five transit connectors, powered by renewable energy solar panels, that are going to be used for charging electric vehicles.

The area will act as a renewable energy supply and was funded by a grant given to Western Michigan University by the Department of Energy, totaling $700,000. The grant was given for renewable energy specifically tied to these charging stations.

Dr. Harold Glasser, an environmental studies professor at WMU, was asked to come up with location proposals for the installation.

He proposed others, but ended up endorsing the location chosen by the WMU administration. It was

THIS WEEK’S

Where is your favorite place to eat in the Vine neighborhood? a) Martini’s b) Crow’s Nest c) Taco Bob’s d) O’Duffy’s To submit an answer go to www.westernherald.com

said the Iraqi government informed the United States that as of Jan. 1, 2012, they would not renew the Status of Forces Agreement.

“In 2012, if a soldier does something that the Iraq government doesn’t like, the American soldier could potentially be tried in an Iraqi court. No government is going to consent having its own soldiers tried in a foreign court,” Wolfe said.

In 2008, then-presidential hopeful Obama campaigned on the pledge that he would end the war.

As the election progressed, Obama continued to reiterate his mission.

“He campaigned on the promise to end the war and he faces reelection in 2012,” Wolfe said. “If he had not met that promise, there would have been many people who voted for him in 2008 who might not vote for him in 2012. So there’s a certain amount of political pressure now.”

Last year, President Obama made headway in reaching his goal by bringing the combat mission to an end in Iraq and over the course of 14 months, more than 100,000 troops returned to their families, according to a press release from whitehouse.gov. It marks a monumental change of focus for the military and a fundamental shift in the

Western Herald File Photo

“WMU is so desperate to be seen as sustainable; they disregarded the botanists, students, faculty and public. They should’ve respected the people.”

Nick Wikar, co-president of Students for a Sustainable Earth not his first choice, but Glasser agrees this is the most prominent location for the stations.

“No one wants to cut down trees, but it isn’t an ideal place for healthy trees to grow,” Glasser said. “WMU has a policy for every one tree cut down that two more are planted in a good location on campus.”

In the end, WMU decided to make a trade off. Instead of placing the stations in an area of campus that isn’t as accessible and possibly will not get much use, the university decided to put them in a visible place, Glasser said.

The renewable energy generated from the solar panels will be mostly used for the electric car charging stations but, in the end, the energy goes back into WMU’s energy grid, Glasser said. It is a net loss for the University. The nine trees total 200-240 pounds of carbon a year while the PV array would total 145,600 pounds a year.

The solar panels are designed on a mounting system to prevent corrosion from the excess salt and snow piles that get dumped in that area of the parking lot to clear the lots during the winter months.

Students for a Sustainable Earth (SSE), an RSO on campus, has a different view of the process. Lead by Co-Presidents Nick Wikar and Joe Szuszwalak, the group has been fighting the

removal of the trees all week.

Their first tip was from Landscaping Services that the trees they were told were not going to be cut down in fact were going to be removed. The group then took action.

Members of SSE met with President Dunn and Glasser on Thursday when it was confirmed that nine trees were to be cut down. SSE supports in full the solar panel project; however, it does not agree with the university’s decision to remove nine trees in the process and said they wished that the university could have chosen a more ideal location.

Wikar walked into President Dunn’s office Thursday morning wanting clear answers about the project; Wikar said that he felt the university was giving him the run around in regards to answers.

“We have been receiving emails from staff, community and students who are all interested and concerned with this project,” Wikar said. “The administration wouldn’t compromise and nine trees were cut down.”

“This is largely a student effort and is the latest effort for green washing,” Wikar said, “a process where an institution paints itself as sustainable but the actions come out against the idea, there’s a disconnect.”

“WMU is so desperate to be

Dan Morgner / Western Herald

At the Really Free Market table, Freshman Pethual Anonuevo looks through some clothes, shown by Olivia Rappel, on Wednesday, Oct. 26, Campus Sustainability Day. seen as sustainable; they disregarded the botanists, students, faculty and public. They should’ve respected the people,” Wikar said.

“These will be sacrificial lamb trees,” Wikar said in reference to changing policies and looking ahead. Even Michigan State University contacted President Dunn to save the trees.

The group is finalizing a resolution to present to WSA that calls for more Sustainability Fund Initiative money to be controlled by students and WSA and not arbitrarily appointed by deans. SSE calls for students to be involved in any planning process, even as small as a sign, the planning needs to be transparent, Wikar said.

There needs to be no public changes and needs to be accountable.

“We could have had dialogue with the administration, but there was bad communication. We feel like we have been deceived,” Wikar said. “Trees need to be given priority. They give quality of life, value to the campus, habitats for animals. We need to talk the talk and walk the walk.”

To promote your product or service in this space, call (269) 387-2092 or email advertising@westernherald.com

2

Monday, October 31, 2011

‘Rocky Horror’ review: WMU dancers on equal

Stunning show seduces crowd footing with professionals

By Cody Janczewski Staff Reporter

Just a jump to the left, and a step to the right were the directions when nearly a full house of 3,000 and a cast of 26 took part in the infamous Time Warp dance from the “Rocky Horror Show” at Miller Auditorium on Friday and Saturday night.

Whether you are a Rocky Horror rookie or an obsessed cult fan, this show was definitely not one to miss as the WMU Department of Theatre rocked Miller Auditorium in one of the most daring, and sexually zestful performances of the year.

Jay Berkow, director of “Rocky Horror,” really pulled one over on the audience in terms of expectation. Whether it was the incorporation of 3D projected images, the jaw-dropping monstrous castle of Frank ‘n’ Furter, or the perfectly planned out and insanely fun audience participation, audiences left feeling infatuated with this energetic and mind-blowing performance.

A well-executed highlight of the evening was noticed in the audience’s participation throughout the show. Squirt guns spewed water throughout the theatre making it rain during the show. This was followed by nearly 3,000 pairs of hands throwing confetti and blowing into noisemakers, the crowd was then overencumbered by 3,000 glow sticks which spread in all directions illuminating Miller Auditorium.

From the outrageous costumes, provocative dancing

Dan Morgner / Western Herald

Magenta, played by Sophia Araoz, performs the opening song of Rocky Horror Show, “Science Fiction Double Feature,” on Friday, Oct. 28 at Miller Auditorium. and hilarious gestures, the actors in this performance were incredible and flawless to the tee.

With a star-studded performance by the entire cast, a special standing ovation was given to Zachary McConnell, who played Frank, the sweet transvestite from transsexual Transylvania. The heels, fish nets and bustier were no challenge for McConnell as he took over the stage and astonished the audience, moving his body in shockingly erotic and glamorous ways.

After the final bows, the house lights came up and the

crowd was still buzzing and cheering for these fine actors. It has been rumored that “Rocky Horror” will return in years to come due to the extreme success of this performance.

This rock musical and outlandish story of sex and seduction is not one to miss, and let’s not forget the time warp with its pelvic thrust that really drives you insane.

“Rocky Horror Show” has climbed to the top of University Theatre’s must-see productions, with many in hope of its return.

Kallie Strazdas / Western Herald

Angela Dice and Demetrius McClendon dance to Call the Whole Thing Off, an award-winning piece by Harrison McEldowney, on Friday, Oct. 28 at the Chenery Auditorium in Kalamazoo. Friday’s modern dance performance was the premiere of a collaboration between WMU’s department of dance and DanceWorks Chicago, choreographed by Nelly van Bommel.

Crypts and creeps of Western’s campus

By Nathan Palcowski WMU very attractive.

In 1949, Western MichiStaff Reporter

up and I get the chills.”

The myth behind Mcgan opened up its first ever Cracken Hall is that, supDark, old, cold, smelly building on the west side of posedly, you can hear footand just when it cannot get campus, McCracken Hall. steps of people walking and any worse, you hear a sound Formerly used for housing hear voices as well. Thomas, that makes the hair on the labs and classrooms in the however, sees the situation back of your neck stand up. chemistry department, Mc- differently.

“There used to be homeTo find that thrill and amuse- Cracken Hall now remains ment, there is no need to go unoccupied because of new less people who would sneak to a haunted house. Look no facilities. Now McCracken in and stay for the night, and further than Western Mich- is home to some paranor- I think that’s what people igan University’s campus to mal activity, and one of west were hearing,” Thomas said.

Thomas has had perfind that scary bump in the campus’ creepiest buildings.

“I get the sense that some- sonal experience with this night.

From East Campus to body is here,” said Laura myth when her son, a recent West Campus, the Valleys Thomas, the building coor- graduate of WMU, was inand underground, Western dinator of McCracken, who side the building checking Michigan University is filled has to take weekly tours to the number of the locks. He with hauntings and myths make sure the place is hold- heard footsteps and voices that make Halloween at ing up. “I feel my hair stand on the floor above him. The basement of McCracken holds the paper plant, where a mass production of paper is made. This paper plant produces much humidity, in which the stairwells of McCracken are drenched with water.

Whether the building is haunted or not, McCracken Hall will be around for a while, as there are no plans to tear down one of WMU’s oldest buildings.

Dan Morgner / Western Herald Western MichiMyths surrounding McCracken Hall are based on reports of gan University was hearing voices and footsteps. nothing but a horse

farm until 1903, when Mrs. Anna Carstens Kanley purchased the land. There is a story that there are horses buried under the grounds of WMU. This is not a myth.

For proof, there is a rock to the right of the Seibert Administration Building that commemorates a horse.

East Hall, the first and oldest building on the grounds of WMU, is also home to some bumps in the night. East Hall was created in 1905 by the first president of WMU, Dwight B. Waldo.

Waldo has a plaque outside the front entrance where his ashes were put in between the structure on the building.

“I hear creaks, but I just think and hope that it’s the buildiing,” said Sharon Carlson, Director of Archives and Regional History.

These noises may be more than just unsettling, however.

“For proof, we had a paranormal investigator come into East Hall and he found evidence to prove that it is haunted,” Carlson said.

Not only did the paranormal investigator find evidence, but Thomas’ daughter was with her sorority sisters one night when they decided to go out on the lawn of the East Hall. They

soon found out that was not the best choice, as they saw a girl in a white dress appear in the window.

In 1933, there was a reported death on the lawn of East Hall.

“A man was waiting for the trolley at the time and he had a heart attack and died on the spot,” said Carlson.

East Hall is not only home to the girl in the white dress, but also has claims of shadows on the walls, voices and doors slamming in the distance.

In the Valleys, it’s been reported that freshman students have seen a girl with a red dress appear in the laundry room at night. Though it hasn’t been documented, it’s still considered a myth.

Going with the theme, there is a myth swirling around campus that there are actually people buried under the grounds of WMU. “I have no record of actual people being buried under WMU, just a horse,” Thomas said.

WMU students get to believe whatever they want to believe this Halloween.

Whether a myth or buildings on campus are actually haunted, WMU is filled with the thrills, chills and terror that come with Halloween.

Local business boosted by ‘Halloweek’

By Lexie Causley Staff Reporter

For some college students, Halloween weekend is spent scouring the racks of thrift stores, dollar aisles and costume shops searching for the perfect alter ego. This past week, businesses have been buzzing with last-minute costume buyers.

Robert Simpson, Owner of K-D Sales, said, “This week has seen a 5 percent increase in sales.”

K-D Sales is open year round and Halloween is what they do best. They also

sell party and bingo supplies. They are locally owned and operated, and said they strongly believe in putting their costumers first.

“The funniest costume we have in our store I’d have to say is Shrek,” Simpson said.

“It’s one of those where you have to get zipped into it.”

Simpson notices that most customers buy gory costumes over a comical costume.

“Everyone wants to be something different,” said Debra Wondergem, owner of Fantasy Costume. “We always try to predict what our top sellers are going to

be, and we never quite get it right. We have had an awful lot of zombies and pirates this year.”

Fantasy Costume is a permanent store, unlike some stores that are only here for the month of October. They sell and rent out costumes year round. They have a thousand wigs, ranging from showgirls to street wigs.

“This week has gotten busier every day,” Wondergem said. “People come in for a costume in a bag, or for accessories to go with a costume they already have.”

Fantasy Costume has a

wide array of costumes. They have a Pirates of the Caribbean aisle, a story book aisle, Renaissance aisle, Greek & Roman aisle, and many more.

“Some of the funniest costumes we have in store are a ‘Bunches of Grapes’ costume, a lobster costume and even a Cat in the Hat costume,” Wondergem said.

This past week, Fantasy Costume has been selling prosthetics and makeup.

When employees see that a costumer is purchasing makeup, they will give helpful tips to costumers. They

are experts on how to put on a fake eyeball, a fake scar or make customers look like a zombie.

“We have things for everyone’s budget,” Wondergem said. “From accessories, to expensive costumes to hair pieces. The average buyer spends anywhere from $35 to $75, though.”

“If you are a late buyer, do not expect the costume of your choice to be there for you. If you do wait until the last minute, keep an open mind,” Wondergem said. “Be willing to mix and match, and be as creative as possible.”

WESTERN HERALD

.COM

1517 Faunce Student Services Building 1903 W. Michigan Avenue Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5365 Phone: (269) 387-2092 Fax: (269) 366-3046

Editor-in-Chief

Nora Strehl 387-2097 editor@westernherald.com

Advertising Manager

Nicole Taylor 387-2107 advertising@westernherald.com

Business Manager

Seena Nair 387-2108 business@westernherald.com

Web Manager

Cody Kimball 387-2092 web@westernherald.com

General Manager and Adviser

Brian Abbott 387-2110 brian.abbott@westernherald.com

Board of Directors Faculty Dr. Richard Junger (chairperson) Thomas Swartz Administration Dean Honsberger Vacant Students Jared Field Brittany Lawler Meghan Chandler Vacant Western Herald Staff Shea Werner The Western Herald (USPS 678-420) publishes Mondays and Thursdays during the fall and winter semesters, and Mondays during the Summer I semester, except for examination weeks and vacation periods.

Postmaster: Please send address changes to: Western Herald, 1517 Faunce Student Services Building, 1903 W. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5363.

Monday, October 31, 2011

News

News Editor Erin Gignac

Western Herald

newseditor@westernherald.com

387-2088

3

Sigma Chi leader shares bene�its of joining The Western Herald sits down with Craig Cook, President of Sigma Chi, to find out what goes on within one of the oldest and largest Fraternities.

Q: What is the Fraternity you’re in?

A:I am in the Zeta Nu chapter of Sigma Chi. Q: What are the philanthropic events that you guys put on?

A: At our chapter we put

in

Brief

CAMPUS Aerobathon bene�its United Way On Nov. 5, United Way will host an Aerobathon at the Student Recreation Center to fundraise for its Kalamazoo campaign.

According to WMU News, the aerobathon runs from 12:30 to 5 p.m. in the first floor gym of the rec center.

The workout schedule is as follows: TurboSport: 12:30-1:15 p.m.

Amazing Abs: 1:15-2:15 p.m.

Zumba: 2:15-3:15 p.m.

TurboKick: 3:15-4:15 p.m.

Cyclefit or Butts and Guts: 4:15-5 p.m.

The climbing wall will also be available from 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Tickets are $5 in advance or $7 at the door. All proceeds will go to the WMU United Way Giving Campaign.

According to WMU News. on-campus fundraising will continue through Nov. 11. For information on making a gift, contact wmuunited-way@wmich.edu.

Contributions can be made as one-time donations by cash, check or credit card, or as pledges, payable by payroll deduction, credit card or direct billing from United Way. - Chandel Lawrence Copy Editor

CAMPUS Sky Broncos take �irst place overall Thirteen Western Michigan aviation students flew to first place overall at last week’s National Intercollegiate Flying Association Region III event, qualifying the team for the national competition in the spring.

According to WMU News, the Sky Broncos bested four other collegiate teams to take top honors at Ohio University Oct. 24-28.

Second place finishes in each of the individual categories, flight and ground, lifted the Broncos to a 211-point finish, over Ohio State and Ohio University, among others.

The team will take to the skies in May at Kansas State University to fly towards the national title. For more information about the Sky Broncos, visit wmich.edu/ aviation.

- Lynn Hodorek Copy Editor

on a philanthropy event that is called D e r b y Days.

It is a weeklong event Cook that each consists of a different event each day, the money that we collect from this event gets donated to the Children Miracle Network or the Huntsman Cancer Institute.

Q&A

By Nora Strehl Editor-in-Chief

Q: Why would somebody want to join your Fraternity & how?

A: Sigma Chi is one of the oldest and largest fraternities in the Greek world. We help guide young men and teach them to become leaders in the journey through college.

Sigma Chi allows you to be a

part of something bigger and bring together men who have the similar goals and aspirations. Our networking also allows for success even after college which is another benefit to joining Sigma Chi. To go about joining you need to come to our rush events and meet the active chapter when then decide to give you a bid to rush our house.

The biggest benefit is all the brothers that you make will be your best friends for

the rest of your life because you all share a bond that brings you together and will always be extremely important to you.

house. My current position is President of our chapter and my tasks include being the external communicator for our chapter relations.

Q: How many different leaders are there & what is your position?

A: We have many positions in the house that each help you build skills that can be applied in real world situations. We have an executive board in the chapter which runs the operations of the

Q: What tasks do you carry out as leader of the Fraternity?

A: I deal with our grand praetor and chapter advisor who oversee all of our activities. It is my job to keep our chapter running smoothly and make sure all the other people are doing their job to keep the house successful.

Sangren Hall murals inspire students

By Katey Stapleton Staff Reporter Colorful paintings of inspirational quotes and historical faces at the Sangren Hall construction site have been receiving phenomenal feedback and admiration.

While the artworks provide something for students eyes to feast upon, it is the mural itself that foreshadows what Sangren Hall will represent once completed.

“I chose the people on the mural,” said Professor Karen Bondarchuk, the driving force behind the Sangren Hall beautification project. “They range from philosophers and educators to psychologists, physicists and poets, and all of them have intriguing ideas about what is important in education. Since Sangren Hall is the locus for education on campus, it seemed fitting to have the mural convey a range of ideas about pedagogy. I wanted the ideas in the quotes to pique the interest of both students and professors, and perhaps even inspire onlookers to learn more about the authors and their ideas.”

And inspire they do.

Bondarchuk and artists who lent their talents to the mural have received positive reactions from students and professors who pass by the paintings frequently.

“One professor wrote the

following: ‘They make me proud to be on this campus.

They challenge us all to open our minds, reflect on where we are and what we do, try to make a positive impact of improving quality of life for all, and change/grow!’ Others are simply grateful for the splash of color that the mural provides,” said Bondarchuk.

WMU art students were able to participate in creating the paintings, a mix of 23 first-year students and seniors alike. They were not required to have previous experience, and were easily enabled to paint each section with the use of technology.

“We projected [the pictures and quotes] from the computer onto the wall, and then traced them, and then mapped out what color went in what spot, and then we painted it. It made it a lot easier,” said Meredith Felt, 21, a graphic design student who volunteered to paint three of the large-scale portraits and quotes.

The result is “eye-catching, bright, and interesting,” said Felt.

The paintings took the entire 2010 fall semester to complete and are currently University property. It remains unclear what will be done with the mural once Sangren Hall is complete, but the mural will remain in place for the two years pre-

ceding.

B o n d archuk explained that the mural is equipped to face Kalamazoo’s fierce winters.

“The paint is exterior grade latex, and is coated with a sealant to protect it from the elements,” she said.

O n c e B ondarchuk finalized the selection of historical figures, students were given their choice of who they would like to paint along with what quote resonated with them in terms of inspiration. Artists were compensated with $80 per panel completed, and a new experience gained.

If you have Trevor Ritsema/Western Herald yet to view the Sopohmore Roxy Gayle looks at a painting outside of Sangren. mural, or just “They make the construction look less bad; it’s a lot nicer to see need an upliftthe paintings rather than a bunch of construction equipment.” ing and empowering moon the gates that line the the Bernhard Center. ment, it can be seen hanging new Sangren Hall, next to

Christmas comes early in Kalamazoo

By Ambrosia Neldon Staff Reporter Halloween is on its way out and several weeks still remain before turkey dinner and the Macy’s parade, but in retail stores across Kalamazoo, it is beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

The holiday season approaches earlier and earlier each year in shopping centers across the United States in order for retailers to maximize the income that holiday shopping brings in.

Retailers begin decorating their buildings, selling decorations and starting sales on popular items months before Christmas arrives.

“The retail holiday season starts before the actual holiday season,” said Shannon Corcoran, a Western Michigan University junior who works at American Eagle Outfitters in Portage.

Like most other stores in Crossroads Mall, American Eagle started decorating for

Trevor Ritsema/Western Herald

Kendra Hutchings looks at Christmas decorations at Hobby Lobby. “I think it’s much too early for decorations to be out. They should have at least waited ‘til after Thanksgiving.” the holidays over two weeks ago when the winter clothing line came in.

According to ABC News, holiday shopping accounts for 20 percent of retailers’ annual sales each year.

With national retail numbers lower in October than past years, retailers are depending even more on the holiday shopping sales than they have previously.

Many retailers say that the earlier the holiday shopping begins, the more the sales percentage increases.

“The earlier we decorate, the sooner people get in the mood for holiday shopping,” said Jeff McOmber, a Western Michigan University student and Wal-Mart employee. “A lot of people start decorating their houses early before the snow gets too deep and hard to deal with. So, people have already been buying a lot of Christmas decorations.”

The Wal-Mart in Kalamazoo filled the entire garden center with Christmas decorations and wrapping paper over two weeks ago.

Meanwhile, the Halloween costumes, treats and decorations were displayed only yards away.

Retailers also start put-

ting Christmas supplies and sale items out early to prepare for Black Friday shoppers at the end of November.

Flyers and commercials advertising sales on popular items and Christmas decorations have also been running in order to attract customers to stores early. “[Retailers] start decorating earlier to beat the competition. A lot of people like to get all of their stuff in one place. If we have Christmas decorations up and others don’t, they’re likely to start their Christmas shopping here,” said Katie King, a WMU student and employee at Kohl’s on West Main Street in Kalamazoo.

“Kohl’s started decorating for Christmas almost a month ago,” said King.

The sooner shoppers purchase the items they are looking for; the better the chance is that the item will be available for purchase. If shoppers wait too long to buy their holiday gifts, then

it is more likely that the gifts will be sold out and harder for customers to find.

The holiday season benefits college students who are looking for jobs, as many retailers hire additional seasonal employees to help out during the busy holiday shopping season.

“It’s simple. We start setting up early to get people to buy stuff,” said King.

Trevor Ritsema/Western Herald

Christmas decorations out at Hobby Lobby before Halloween.

To promote your product or service in this space, call (269) 387-2092 or email advertising@westernherald.com

Monday, October 31, 2011

4

Check out the Scene

I am happy to announce that a date has been set for Nov. 1 as the launch date of the highly anticipated (at least for us) Weekend Scene website!

The good people of the Western Herald have been working diligently to create a work of art that coincides with the well established westernherald. com, and we have finally finished.

Weekendscene.com Nora Strehl is the more Editor-in-Chief hip version of the Western Herald. Students can find everything they read in the Thursday edition of the paper on this website, along with other feature and breaking news stories.

We’re doing all we can to make the gathering of information and the reading of news as easy for students as possible. We want you to be fluent in community affairs, and providing Weekend-scene.com to all of you is just another way for us to do that.

Make sure to check out this website and give us your input. We appreciate and anticipate your comments and feedback.

Don’t forget The Western Herald is your number one source for campus news, so get your read on!

Viewpoint

Editor-in-Chief Nora Strehl

Western Herald

editor@westernherald.com

387-2097

Editorial: Child named Adolf Hitler Campbell

By Paul VanHevel Copy Editor A New Jersey couple suffering from psychological disabilities named their children after prominent Nazi officials and ideals. 5-year old Adolf Hitler Campbell, and his two sisters Aryan Nation Campbell, and Honszlynn Hinler Jeannie Campbell have been evicted from their homes by the state of New Jersey in an effort to assess the children’s safety.

Public attention was drawn to this domestic issue when parents Heath and Deborah Campbell attempted to have a swastika birthday cake made at a local bakery that read “Happy Birthday Adolf Hitler.” The bakery immediately contacted the authorities.

The Campbell’s three children have been in a New Jersey Foster Care program for 33 consecutive months, beginning in 2009.

The question at hand is whether or not the state acted correctly in their decision to remove these children from their home. Is this intrusion a breach of the fundamental American ideals that protect us from the all-knowing, over-imposing dystopian society of George Orwell’s 1984? I think not… I think it remains much simpler than the media has made this affair out to be.

The Campbell family, while maintaining the right to name their children whatever they please, is misguided, but justified by our constitution. Naming a child after a well-known and widely hated historical villain could be considered an act of madness.

Not a breach of the US constitution, not an act of cruel and unusual punishment, it’s simply the consequence of a foolish parental decision, the type of story newspapers love to mark up and exploit.

Journalists such as myself throw these poor souls into the shark tank and point and laugh as we watch them swim.

On the other hand, these innocent children have been, without their knowing, set up for failure. Every job interview, every social interaction, and every occasion of these children’s lives will be affected and perhaps even ruined by the repercussions of a name associated with murder, torture, genocide, and other atrocities against humanity.

Newton’s Third Law of Motion states that for every action there is always an opposite and equal reaction.

Any physicist would stand behind this argument. A little foresight on the Campbell family’s behalf may have proved worthwhile. Perhaps the Campbells should enroll in a night class or two. I’m certain some underfunded

Editorial community college could use the press involved in taking them on. Imagine: anti-Semitists to astrophysicists over night. It’s not unheard of; I’m sure crazier things have happened over the 150,000 years during which humans have walked the earth.

In December of this year a court will determine as to whether or not the parents and their lifestyle are fit to raise children. The courtroom will have to focus on the alleged claims of child abuse and shed all regard to the family’s alleged anti-Semitic beliefs. Such ideals are not of sufficient grounds to remove the children from the household.

Image Credit: Associated Press Heath and Joyce Lynn Campbell hold their son, Adolf Hitler Campbell.

Based on the parents’ belief system it appears these children are being raised to learn how to hate and discriminate against others. These parents

may have to reexamine their parental efforts if they hope to make amends with their children in later years.

“Now when all of the flower ladies want back what they have lent you And the smell of their roses does not remain All of your children start to resent you”

- Bob Dylan

Letter to the Editor Policy All letters must be less than 300 words and are subject to editing.

No personal attacks or profanity will be tolerated.

Send letters to: herald-editor@wmich.edu The Western Herald, as a news entity, does not adopt or necessarily endorse views presented in the viewpoint section. Readers are encouraged to submit their own responses, suggestions, or concerns to the Edit0r-In-Chief, Nora Strehl, at herald-editor@wmich.edu.

Letter to the Editor: Could WMU serve healthier food?

I am currently in my freshman year and I really am enjoying myself. Throughout all of the good things at WMU, one area does stick out like a sore thumb and I would like to share it with you—the dining services. I feel that there are not enough healthy choices and too many unhealthy ones. Now, I know that healthy foods can be more expensive, but it is a long-term investment in your well-being. As students eat the unclean, processed foods, their weight increases while their health decreases, in turn creating more student visits to the medical building that is

Historic East Campus photo of the week

free for students but obviously is not free to run.

I believe that the first step would be to take out the soft-serve ice cream stations.

Then, limiting fried foods to once or twice a week could be a good second step. As students eat less processed foods and more whole foods, their taste buds will change and soon crave just naturally grown foods; as stated by Tosca Reno in The Eat Clean Diet book series. It has also been proven that a clean diet induces better sleep at night and better sleep would create more attentive students who produce better grades. Also,

-Alexis Moore Freshman

Puzzle 1 (Hard, difficulty rating 0.68)

9 2

1

5

7

4

4

2 7

9

6 6

2

8

6

5

1 7

9

5

7

8

7 4

4

3

8

1

7

1 6

Generated by http://www.opensky.ca/~jdhildeb/software/sudokugen/ on Tue Nov 4 01:15:34 2008 GMT. Enjoy!

Puzzle 1 (Very hard, difficulty rating 0.80)

3 6

1

7

3 9

3

5

5

3

7 5

2

2

1 6

2 3

6

8

9

6 5

4

4

4

The Weekend Scene is coming to the web!

6 9

In this early 1900s photo of the front lawn of East Campus, students enjoy the view from the “acropolis of Kalamazoo.” At the foot of the hill are the tennis courts and the Vine Neighborhood. In the distance one can see the church steeples and early buildings of Kalamazoo.

Courtesy of WMU Archives

Kalamazoo is an area abundant with small farms. Has Western Michigan University ever thought of purchasing any of the foods served at the cafeterias from the locals?

Locally grown produce is a much healthier choice than prepackaged pastries and such. To summarize, I feel very strongly about fueling the body with a clean diet and feel the dining services at WMU could do a better job with making that happen.

Thank you for your time.

1 5

Generated by http://www.opensky.ca/~jdhildeb/software/sudokugen/ on Sun Oct 26 21:17:11 2008 GMT. Enjoy!

Starting Nov. 1, you can find all of your WMU weekend news online, as well as in print editions.

5

Monday, October 31, 2011

Candidates for Kalamazoo City Commission discusss their ideas

By Nathan Palcowski Staff Reporter

On Tuesday, Oct. 25, all 14 candidates for the seven Kalamazoo City Commission seats were in attendance at the Fetzer Center on the campus of Western Michigan University.

The candidates were asked questions from various groups and institutions on campus.

Each candidate had 60 seconds to answer an impromptu question. For the last question, candidates had 90 seconds to persuade the audience to vote for them on Nov. 8.

The consensus among all the candidates is to make sure Kalamazoo keeps its businesses and its graduates.

“My policy is for Kalamazoo to be safe and beautiful and this commission will do the best that it can to make that happen,” said candidate Don Cooney.

Cooney, who has been on the commission for 14 years, said that the candidates for this commission are the best yet.

“We all have different mind sets. We know how to problem solve and are well balanced all the way around,” said Cooney.

Cooney teamed up in a dual campaign with Stephanie Bell this year.

Bell is very involved in the community and wants to keep jobs in Kalamazoo.

She has been on the commission since 2007, where she advocated for affordable housing and looked to create small businesses.

Barbara Hamilton-Miller was born and raised in Kalamazoo and is running for her fourth term as a city

commissioner. Miller mentioned that she liked the downtown arena proposal, but said that there are more important things.

“I would like to see an arena, but a big company would be nice to make jobs and revenue in the city,” said Miller.

Jobs are a number one priority for candidate Nicholas Boyd. Boyd said he thinks the problems that are in the Kalamazoo area all come back around to job loss or lack of jobs.

“Jobs are what we need to innovate and implement a safer and hopeful Kalamazoo,” said Boyd.

Candidates David Anderson and Robert Cinabro are committed to rolling up their sleeves and getting to work. Anderson said he knows that Kalamazoo is in a tough situation, but he said Kalamazoo must work hard to survive.

Cinabro said he feels the same, and is ready to tackle the issue.

“I have a willing ear and I’m ready to roll up my sleeves,” said Cinabro.

Antwon Hunter offered his help in the form of his last name.

“Kalamazoo needs a hunter,” he said.

Hunter said he looked inside himself before running for city commission and felt that his viewpoints are the best. Hunter said he is not a believer in the marijuana proposal and wants to keep the streets of Kalamazoo clean.

As far as the budget goes, candidate Robert Patterson thinks the future is energy.

“Bringing solar panels to Kalamazoo will not only save energy but also creates jobs as well,” said Patterson.

Patterson wants to

Hao Zhang / Western Herald

Candidate Hannah Mckinney presents her point of view at the city commission forum on Tuesday, Oct. 25. create more urgency for solar energy so the city can save money and create tax breaks.

“Family, God and then politics,” said candidate Andrew Worden.

Worden, who said he is a family man, said his number one goal to fix the budget so that unfortunate families can live better lives.

Worden wants the community of Kalamazoo to step forward and have a voice.

Candidates Hannah McKinney and Michael Perrin, both said they feel that volunteering is key to a successful campaign.

McKinney stressed “this is your city” to the citizens of Kalamazoo.

“It’s critical that this is a place where people want to be,” said McKinney.

Michael Perrin, a beer salesman at Westside Beer Distribution, also running for the commission, said it means a lot to the community to keep people in Kalamazoo. As far as the heated marijuana proposal is concerned, Perrin is neutral.

“It seems to cause problems and I don’t want to see people get jailed,” said Perrin The city commission provides an opportunity for citizens to voice their opinions and views. WriteIn candidate Johnathan Braun is an example of that.

Braun, who is homeless and unemployed, is running for the commission to give the homeless a better life.

“I will take an in-depth look into making more affordable housing for the homeless and mentally unstable,” said Braun.

The youngest candidate at 24 years old is Nicholas Wikar.

Wikar, who is majoring in community and regional planning at WMU, is an important actor in the environmental field. Wikar is involved in a six-year project to clean up the Kalamazoo River.

Bobby Hopewell is Kalamazoo’s current mayor and a graduate student at

WMU pursuing a master’s degree. Hopewell brings a passion for making Kalamazoo, where he was born and raised, a beautiful city.

“We can be a city as great as we want it to be,” said Hopewell.

This year’s elections will be held on Nov. 8. Out of the 14 candidates running at-large, only seven will be elected to be on the Kalamazoo City Commission.

Out of the seven that are elected, the candidate with the most votes will become the mayor of Kalamazoo.

All the candidates encouraged people to vote.

The truth about cancer risk and cell phone use

By Catie Dymond Staff Reporter There is no evidential support in scientific studies that has proved a definite ‘yes’ to whether cell phones contribute to brain cancer, yet the possibility has not been ruled out.

According to a recent study done by researchers from the Danish Cancer Society and the International Agency for Research on Cancer, the rate of tumor growth in two groups that did or did not have cell phones within 1982 and 1995 were consistant in showing that the risk has not increased.

Primary focus was on tumors in the temporal lobe being exposed to nonionic radiation energy.

“Really look at technology itself,” said Karim Essani, professor in the Western Michigan University department of biological studies.

“One-thousand eight-hundred to 2,200 megahertz of radiation comes from a cell phone. We also know that this is non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation. It certainly can be absorbed, but is not ionizing radiation which would then unquestionably

cause harm to humans when exposed in large amounts,” “A cancer cell is not different from a normal cell, the difference is a normal cell knows when to stop dividing. When one of these cells has damaged DNA multiplying can occur. As cells keep multiplying it forms an uncontrollable growth also known as a tumor,” Essani said.

Use of a cell phone has increased rapidly over the past several years.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services records as of 2010 there were 303 million subscribers to cell phone devices in the United States, a dramatic change from the subscriptions in 2000 of 110 million users. The International Telecommunications Union estimates the use globally to be 5 billion.

“We are facing confusion.

It is very hard to conduct a controlled epidemiological study on this topic. Overall, the general population is getting mixed signals from experts who classify cell phones as a probable factor; the studies are inconclusive,” Essani said.

The U.S Department of

Health and Services reports a European ‘Cosmo’ study launched in March 2010 is currently in progress and expected to enroll 250,000 cell phone users ages 18 or older during a 20 to 30 year process.

It is hard to prove direct relation between nonionizing radio frequency energy because of multiple variables. Some of which include: how often an individual uses their cellular device, the average length of a call and the total hours over a lifetime. These factors influenced the indecisive answer in the Danish Cancer study.

However, a Swedish study has shown that people who use their cell phones for 50 minutes have brain tissues with an increase of glucose metabolism. Details behind ‘why’ are still unknown, this was reported by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

“Personally, I feel comfortable using a cell phone because we don’t see thousands of people with brain cancer from using such a popular technology. UV rays from the sun have ionizing energies, which contribute to Skin Cancer. X-

Trevor Ritsema / Western Herald

Lindsay Simonds talks on her iPhone, Oct. 28, 2011 Rays expose small amounts of this energy also. For many technologies there is a good part and a bad part, but by following small procedures people can minimize potential risks,” Essani said.

Steps to consider while avoiding potential exposure are: minimize the use of a cell phone and keep it away from your ear as much as possible by using a wiring

device.

The fact that Bluetooth wireless earpieces avert potential exposure is a common misconception. Bluetooth technology uses electromagnetic signals similar to the frequencies a cell phone gives off.

To date, there is no evidence that connects radio frequency non-ionizing energy to cancer. The only

effects known deal with an increase of metabolism glucose in the brain after a 50 minute period. Cell phone technology and how frequently a phone is used have contributed to inaccurate studies in the past. Results may change in the future, but for now, cell phones are not shown to be linked to brain cancer.

Non-traditional students’ college perception

By Katie King Staff Reporter Sitting in class taking notes, participating in discussions and talking with people in class.

When describing these scenarios, it sounds like a typical college student, but for non-traditional student Pearl DeVries, who is in her 60s, this is also typical.

The majority of college students are in their early 20s, but some non-traditional students are 20, 30 or 40 years older.

DeVries said that she has been going to college for 12 years and has about another four years until she gets her degree.

“I should be done by the time I retire. I should get my degree,” DeVries said. “That’s

my goal.”

DeVries takes one class a semester to be able to balance a full time job, being a mother and a grandmother.

DeVries wants to obtain an organizational communication degree with minors in alcohol and drug addiction and philosophy.

Even though she will be retired, DeVries said that she plans on volunteering with a

program at her church that works with children.

“You are only as old as you feel like you are,” DeVries said.

“I love school,” DeVries said. “I love doing the work and sitting and reading.

Some classes I don’t like, but most I like.”

DeVries said that she does not feel that younger students take advantage of

her; she likes helping them out if they have to miss class or want to copy her notes.

“I will always give my notes out to people,” DeVries said.

For one class DeVries said she made copies of her notes and gave them to the whole class since so many people had missed class.

“I am just a helpful person by nature,” DeVries said.

“A lot of young people have so much going on, they have a full load and I only have one class.”

“Do something you really want to do,” DeVries said.

“Always make sure you take classes for yourself that you find interesting and never quit learning.”

More Online

Westernherald.com

6

Monday, October 31, 2011

WESTERN HERALD

.COM

ClassiďŹ ed Advertising

By Jake Adams Staff Reporter

Place your own ads online, email us at advertising@westernherald.com, fax us at (269) 366-3046, or call us at (269) 387-2092

EMPLOYMENT Home based insurance agent needs Secretary/ Assistant, Flexible hours, part-time. $10.00 per hour plus commission. 269-3272768 EVENT COMPANY: Seeking an event crew member to join our staff. Duties include delivery and pickups, setup and teardown, and general maintenance of event inventory including tents, tables, chairs etc. Must be able to provide excellent customer service to clients, work well alone and within a group, and communicate efďŹ ciently with home ofďŹ ce and clients. Special preference will be given to canidates with prior event or tent installation experience but will train an ideal canidate. This is a part time position that could become full time and has potential for advancement. Interested canidates may email resume to slarsen@rentalexevents. com. Please no phone calls. Pay will be based on experience.

Requirements Canidates must currently hold a valid drivers license with chauffers license in good standing and be available to work long hours and weekends. Must be able to lift 100-150 lbs.

HOUSES 419 LOCUS 4 Bedrooms 1 &1/2 bath. Off street parking. $900 + utilities + deposit. 385-4459 GREAT HOUSE FOR SALE Contemporary 2 bedroom,1 bath home in a great neighborhood close to campus. Move in ready!

Keller Williams, 8075 Creekside Dr, Portage, MI 49024 Call - 2179082. x ID 3110600 HOUSE FOR SALE 3816 Croyden, Kalamazoo Move-in-ready.

Close to everything! Great house for $129,000! 352-8927

SERVICES HEALTHY MEALS 4 U

Enhance your diet with Herbalife Healthy Meals. Fast, convenient and economical at $1-$5 per meal. Excellent nutrition plans for Athletes and Students. Keep your mind and body in peak performance. Call or order on-line today. Save 35% with monthly orders 823-3800

Check us out online at

www.westernherald.com

# !)# # % #

!! "", ( ' # # & ' # ($#

"", $ #' $" 1128 W. MICHIGAN AVE. ~ 269.381.8400 2623 W. MICHIGAN AVE. ~ 269.381.9400 3116 S. WESTNEDGE ~ 269.343.4400 232 W. MICHIGAN AVE. ~ 269.226.9100

$& ( ' # + ! * &, ),'

-

. "", $ # ' & # ' !! !! & (' & ' &*

FINANCE !

! "#$%&%'$%(!)#!*$+&$)#,!-./&!.0#!1/')#%''2! ! !"#$%&%'$()*+,-+,),.+/01$!/)0)2,$ $ !"#$%&'("#)'*$)+,"("-,(.)#$-,&,/"01(2,"3) 4%/-$&&)+(-,"3)&1(..)56&,"$&&)$"'%$4%$"$6%&) '/#(78) ) 9/4,-&)-/:$%$#),")'*,&)-/6%&$),"-.6#$;) !! !! !! !!

<,"("-,(.)&/6%-$&)(:(,.(5.$)) =/%2,"3)-(4,'(.)1("(3$1$"') >(4,'(.)56#3$',"3) ?&&$&&1$"')/+)%,&2) )

#,344$567/)8$9-+/)8$0):$9.77,+$%';%4$$ #6$<+,=+,>./?/*,?$$

Dunn holds grad student forum Things might be different for graduate students.

Graduate students may wonder about the kinds of services Western Michigan University supplies for job hunting, where the tuition money is going and if there are any departments specifically geared to grad students.

Dr. John M. Dunn, President of WMU, will stand before graduate students Monday, Nov. 17, fielding questions regarding the campus, the University, services it provides for graduate students and anything on any graduate studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mind attending the Graduate Student Forum with President Dunn, according

to LaTasha Chaffin, Chair of the Graduate Student Advisory Committee (GSAC) at WMU. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I appreciate any time that President Dunn gives to us,â&#x20AC;? said Angie Beck, a graduate student at WMU. GSAC is putting on the event with the obvious cooperation of Dr. Dunn.

They are doing so, Chaffin said to give graduate students a chance to talk to the President of the university about matters that are on their mind, whatever they may be. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The funny part is you never know what to expect from graduate students,â&#x20AC;? said Beck, explaining that the questions that Dr. Dunn will be getting will be all over the board. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are always con-

cerns about tuition increases. Others want to know about the direction of the university itself,â&#x20AC;? said Chaffin. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our president is making himself available to us.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to take advantage of that.â&#x20AC;?

She went on to elaborate the importance of the forum by praising Dr. Dunn for his hands-on approach giving credit to how he goes about interacting with students on campus. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so invested,â&#x20AC;? said Chaffin.

She hypothesizes that questions about services and programs offered to graduate students will hold a lot of the forumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s weight. â&#x20AC;&#x153;All students want to gain a degree that is competitive,â&#x20AC;? said Chaffin, explaining that this is a place to get infor-

mation about programs that can put a graduate student on the map. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Assistantships!â&#x20AC;? said Beck, explaining the first thing on her mind as to what kind of questions she would ask. â&#x20AC;&#x153;What kinds of resources are allocated to us? Whereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the university going?â&#x20AC;? she continued.

The Graduate Student Forum, led by graduate students and their questions, is intended to allow graduate students the opportunity to speak to the president of the university on anything that they wish.

For more information, email gfac-info@wmich. edu.

Dr. Mehretu gives insight on American-Ethiopian history

By Tayler Cattera Staff Reporter

The U.S. military is flying drone aircraft from a base in Ethiopia to fight against Islamist militants in Somalia. Officials report that the remote-piloted drones are being used strictly for surveillance and are flying unarmed because their use is considered sensitive by Ethiopiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s government, according to BBC News.

Today, Ethiopia is letting the U.S. use its remote civilian base in the southern city of Arba Minch as a way to help fight the war on terror, but the relationship between the two countries dates back over 100 years.

Dr. Assefa Mehretu, an Ethiopian native and professor of geography at Michigan State University, spoke about American-Ethiopian relations at Western Michigan University Wednesday afternoon.

More than 50 people, both students and professors, listened intently as the accomplished Africa scholar talked passionately about the history America and Ethiopia share.

Hao Zhang/Western Herald

Dr. Assefa Mehretu, professor of geography at Michigan State Univeristy speaks about King Haile Sellassie and Rev. Adam Clayton Powel in 1954. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Americans really iden- country in Africa of about 77 also the first and largest bentified with Ethiopians back million people, Ethiopia has eficiary of the Peace Corps.

Ethiopian airlines DC3 then,â&#x20AC;? Mehretu said of the always had the attitude that two countries relationship it was a country to be taken also started with assistance from America. in past years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was a love seriously and respected. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whatever the U.S. affair.â&#x20AC;?

When Ethiopia first won Although just a small the war over colonial Italy touched in those days bewith King Menelik II in came successful,â&#x20AC;? Mehretu charge, the United States no- said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ethiopian airlines ticed. They were impressed were one of them.â&#x20AC;?

On the other hand, Seand made their first official mission to Ethiopia in 1903. lassie established the first It was not much later agriculture college as well as that Italy tried defeating helped the United States in Ethiopia again, but this time the Korean War. The relationship changed Americans got involved. In the 1930s, many Americans when President Carter came were willing to go fight the into office and supported Somalia over Ethiopia in Italians to defend Ethiopia. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The U.S. didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t endorse the 1970s. Ethiopia was then people going over to fight taken over by the soviets. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That arrested almost all but Americans would go to Ethiopia as tourists and the work that has been done then actually fight,â&#x20AC;? Mehretu in past years,â&#x20AC;? Mehretu said.

The light in which Ethiosaid.

Many of the first pilots pians view Americans today for Ethiopian airlines were is a lot different now. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A whole generation has Americans.

Haile Sellassie, king of heard only bad things about Ethiopia at that time, be- the U.S.,â&#x20AC;? Mehretu said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You came an extremely visible do not hear many good character even for Ameri- things anymore.â&#x20AC;?

Mehretu credits this to a cans. He was named man of the year in TIME magazine generational gap. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Americans invited us for being so progressive.

The relationship between into their homes, took us America and Ethiopia truly to school, and were part of started in 1945 when Se- our air force,â&#x20AC;? Mehretu said. lassie met former President â&#x20AC;&#x153;Many young people just Roosevelt. Selassie wanted didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know how it was.â&#x20AC;?

Though the relationship to develop his country and needed the U.S. in order to has changed between the cement their independence U.S. and Ethiopia, it is still from Europe. Roosevelt did considered good. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The relationship is just not mind helping. ! more military now because â&#x20AC;&#x153;The relationship be"#3%'$!)#!-./&!4/$/&%5! the U.S. wants an ally in tween the U.S. and Ethiopia ! was one of the best examples the war,â&#x20AC;? Mehretu said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s !"#$;';'$<,+?6)01$!/)0)2,$ of partnership,â&#x20AC;? Mehretu whatever he can do for us, $ said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It worked because the the war comes first.â&#x20AC;? @(2$),"+/%1$#)+,"("-,(.)#$-,&,/"&8) The connection the two U.S. and Ethiopia respected ) each other and had started countries first had has faded 9/4,-&)-/:$%$#),")'*,&)-/6%&$),"-.6#$;) off as a people to people re- more into one based mainly !! @("(3$1$"')/+),"-/1$) on security. lationship.â&#x20AC;? !! A'6#$"')./("&) â&#x20AC;&#x153;The relationship that Selassie went on to meet !! A(:,"3&) and work with former Presi- began pre-1974 doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t exist !! B":$&'1$"'&) dents Truman, Nixon and anymore,â&#x20AC;? Mehretu said. !! C$%&/"(.),"-/1$)'(D$&) Kennedy. President Kenne!! B"&6%("-$) dy put a lot of money toward #,344$567/)8$9-+/)8$0):$9.77,+$%';%4$$ Ethiopian education during #6$<+,=+,>./?/*,?$$ his presidency. Ethiopia was ) )

Monday, October 31, 2011

in

Brief

VOLLEYBALL

Sports Western Herald

Sports Editor Adam Roberts sports@westernherald.com

387-2088

7

Triumphant OT win over NMU

WMU wins three out of four vs. EMU The WMU women’s volleyball team’s latest match led to yet another Western Michigan victory this season.

The girls played Eastern Michigan University, at Eastern, Saturday the 29th. The broncos won 3 out of the 4 games played (25-15, 21-25, 25-21, and 25-21) in order to win the set.

Prior to this game, the EMU Eagles were tied for fourth in the MAC division and held a 19-6 overall record. They had won their past six straight MAC matches and had lost only one match out of all of those games. Overall, the Eagles had lost just one time at home. By defeating Eastern, Western now holds a 10-2 record in the MAC, whereas Eastern is only 7-6. During the games against Eastern, Western totaled 76 points, and Eastern held 58.

The broncos averaged a .267 hitting percentage and managed 10 total team blocks. The girls have not only been having much success at home, but also on the road. Right before defeating EMU, while away, they also won the match against one of Western’s greatest rivals, Central Michigan University, at CMU. The girls only have four more games before the MAC tournament, three of which are home, and plan on continuing to win each of them.

-Katie Krausman Staff Reporter

WMU CROSS COUNTRY Whitley has strong �inish Rachel Whitley finished in sixth place at the Mid-American Conference Championship. Her finish was .2 seconds away from making Second Team AllMAC, according to wmubroncos.com Whitley’s efforts in the 6k proved to be a prolific accomplishment and a person best finishing in 15th place with a time of 21:42:1 Kristal Studer of Toledo finished just before Whitley with a time of 21:41.9

SOFTBALL

Katrina Murphy/Western Herald

The Western Michigan University hockey team celebrates after scoring its second goal of the evening over the Wildcats of Northern Michigan University.

By Patrick Littleton help from sophomore center power play,” Walters said. Wildcats mustered 14 shots said. “They’re a well-coached Chase Balisy and sophomore “Just went from bottom to on goal. team, they play extremely Staff Reporter left wing Shane Berschbach. top, Berschbach to Chase, up “Obviously in every game hard, they’re very physical.

“Chase made a really to Brown, back to Tennyson, we want to spend the ma- You’ve got to battle them for The seventh ranked Western Michigan University unbelievable pass,” Walters Tennyson walked to the mid- jority of our time in the of- 60 minutes. They’ve beaten hockey team won its match said. “We kind of had a two- dle, let her rip, and I tipped it fensive zone,” Walters said. some top caliber teams al“And tonight obviously is ready this year in their buildwith the No.14 Wildcats of on-one there breaking to the right in the five-hole.”

The Wildcats answered no different from any other ing, so we’re gratified with Northern Michigan Univer- net, he slid it right through sity, 4-2, in front of 3,053 the defenseman’s legs and all at the 5:40 mark of the third night; we wanted to get 30 or the win, but on the other side Friday night at Lawson Ice I had to do was just put it in. period with Vigier’s second more shots, limit them to 24 of it, we can be better.”

I had the whole right side of goal of the night, this time or less, and just work them.”

The win puts the Broncos Arena. on the power play, getting “They have a good goal- at 4-0-3 overall, and 2-0-1-1 Scoring goals for the the net.”

The Wildcats respond- an assist from junior center tender, we had our chances,” in the CCHA. The Broncos Broncos were junior left wing Trevor Elias and junior ed at the start of the sec- Matt Thurber. The Wildcats Elias said. “We wanted even and Wildcats will square-off right wing Dane Walters. ond period with a goal by pulled senior goaltender more pucks toward the net; again during Military ApFreshman goaltender Frank sophomore center Stephan Reid Ellingson with about a we wanted to get as much preciaiton night, Saturday at Lawson Ice Arena at 7:05 Slubowksi (2-0-1) had 12 Vigier, assisted by senior minute and a half remaining, traffic there as possible.”

The Broncos had a mere p.m. The Broncos will be saves in his third start to earn right wing Andrew Cherni- but the Bronco defense held his second victory of the sea- wchan. Cherniwchan was strong and Elias used his two penalties for four min- wearing camouflage jerseys son. Elias snuck one in at the then ejected late in the sec- speed to score a breakaway utes, while the Wildcats had to pay homage to those serv3:19 mark of the first period ond period for a check from empty net goal at the 18:54 six for 23 minutes, includ- ing in our nation’s armed behind on senior left wing mark with an assist from ing the five minute major on forces. off an assist from Walters. defenseman Cherniwchan. The Broncos The Broncos will be auc“Luckily I was on the Derek Roehl. The hit earned sophomore were 1-of-5 on the power tioning off their game-worn forecheck,” Elias said. “And it the Wildcats a five minute Danny DeKeyser.

“I just saw DeKeyser chip play with five shots. The jerseys in an online auction came up the wall there, and major penalty, which carried Walters just threw it to the over into the third period, it out,” Elias said. “And I just Wildcats were 1-of-2 with through www.wmubroncos. net and I just kind of laid my where the Broncos took ad- went for it. I just put my head three shots during the man com The auction begins on Saturday at noon and runs stick down, went on the per- vantage. Walters scored at down and kept skating and advantage.

“I think whenever you until Friday, Nov. 4 at midfect angle, and off the post the 0:36 mark of the third luckily beat the other guy to period with help from junior it.” can get a win against North- night. Bids begin at $125 and in there.”

The Broncos forced 33 ern Michigan it’s a real with proceeds going to the Walters then scored a defenseman Matt Tennyson shots on goal, with at least positive,” Western Michigan Wounded Warrior Project. goal of his own at the 10:02 and Balisy.

“We were working on the ten in each period. The head coach Andy Murray mark of the first period with

WMU 45-35 Ball State Women’s soccer wins

Broncos inducted into Hall of Fame First Team All-MAC 1994 and 1994, and career batting record holder Stephenie Henderson was recently selected to be inducted into the Western Michigan University Athletic Hall of Fame. Stephenie Kallie Strazdas / Western Herald commented that she was Bronco wide receiver Robert Arnheim soars through the air for a very surprised and humbled touchdown on Saturday, Oct. 29. by the news. During her cafor over 600 yards.

By Chris Willis reer she considered Central The Broncos (5-4, 3-2 MAC) Michigan to be one of the Staff Reporter were the only Mid-American ConMAC teams she struggled The Western Michigan Universi- ference West Division team in conagainst most, and considty football team returned to Waldo tention that got a win Saturday The ered Notre Dame to be her University of Toledo, Northern Illifavorite team to play against. Stadium Saturday and sent the vis- nois University, and Eastern Michiiting Ball State University Cardinals back to Muncie with a 45-35 defeat gan University were See Football Fore more information all idle this week.

Page 8 visit www.wmubroncos.com after the Broncos offense exploded

Western Herald File Photo

By Tyler Pease Staff Reporter The Broncos continued their recent string of success, winning their first game of the MAC tournament and sixth straight overall, defeating Ball State 1-0 on Sunday. This brought Western’s record to 13-7 on the season, while Ball State went to 9-9-3.The defensive struggle fea

tured only seven total shots on goal, four for Western, and three for Ball State, the limited number of shots on goal coming despite 13 shots for Ball State and 10 for Western, with Anina Cicerone and Diana Dedvukaj taking three a piece.

See Women’s Soccer Page 8

To promote your product or service in this space, call (269) 387-2092 or email advertising@westernherald.com

8

Monday, October 31, 2011

Behind the athlete: Ian Slater

By Patrick Littleton body, small community at- working out with his team- kick back and relax when mosphere and rich hockey mates until about 1:45 p.m. everyone else is trying to Staff Reporter

Western Michigan University hockey team captain Ian Slater was the hero in Saturday night’s victory over Northern Michigan University. Off the ice, he may not be a hero, but he has an admirable work ethic that he said has made him captain..

The senior said he left wing from Satellite Beach, Fla. was drawn to WMU because of its big student

program.

Slater said he wakes up around 7 a.m. each day, and before playing the role of student-athlete, he is a businessman. He owns his own sport-supplement franchise, called AdvoCare, and spends the beginning of each day checking emails and organizing his business strategy. From there, he said he spends his time either in the classroom or

Then he heads to practice.

Slater is majoring in organizational communication with a minor in Psychology.

Slater is currently taking on a 19-credit course load, with 16 of those at WMU and three at Kalamazoo Valley Community College.

“It’s a grind,” Slater said.

“I’m a strong believer that if you work now, it will pay off. If you’re working now, hopefully you’ll be able to

work.”

Aside from hockey, Slater’s true passion is fishing, a hobby he acquired growing up in Fla. “That’s my bread and butter,” Slater said. “Hockey and work are at the forefront in my life besides my family, but fishing is right on right now; it’s my life-long aspiration.”

After a full day of pencils and hockey pucks, Slater

hunkers down on his homework and ties up loose ends with his business before drifting off to sleep around midnight just to get up early the next day and continue the grind. Slater said his attitude and motivation are what made him such an easy catch to be not only the captain, but the leader of the 2011-12 Bronco hockey team.

Zolton Cohen/Bronco Sports

Ian Slater

Men’s basketball season opens this week

By Patrick Littleton a Mid-American Conference West title, get to the Staff Reporter The Western Michigan University men’s basketball team opens its season this week with two home exhibition games against Kalamazoo College on Nov. 2 at 7:00 p.m. and Northwood University on Nov. 7 at 2:00 p.m. The Broncos begin regular season play on Nov. 12 when they travel to Brookings, S.D. to square-off with South Dakota State University.

The Broncos are returning all five of their starters from last season, a season in which the Broncos won

Football From Page 7 The win over the Cardinals (5-4, 3-2 MAC) gives the Brown and Gold the tie-breaker over BSU. The victory also gives the team the confidence needed to get back into the MAC Title game race.

“We needed it bad,” said

semifinals of the MAC tournament, and the second round of the collegeinsider. com tournament. Running the point for WMU will be senior Mike Douglas. The 6’0” Detroit product started 33 games last season and averaged 8.6 points per game and led the team with 4.9 assists per game while grabbing 3.3 rebounds per game.

Douglas also shot a teambest 47 percent from behind the three-point line.

Douglas’ backcourt mate and fellow Detroit product is 2010-11 leading scorer senior Demetrius Ward. Ward

(6’3”) started every game during a breakout year for the Broncos last season, averaging 13.8 points per game, 4.3 rebounds per game, and 2.5 assists per game. Ward received Second-Team AllMAC honors last season, and has been named to the College Sports Madness 2011-12 Preseason AllConference Second-Team.

Ward should be at the top of box scores this season as the Broncos will look to him for offense on the perimeter and driving to the basket.

Manning the forward positions for the Broncos will be senior Flenard Whitfield and junior Nate Hutcheson.

Whitfield (6’7”) is the third Detroit native on the Bronco roster and started 32 games last season. He was just behind leading scorer Ward with 13.1 points per game and tied for the team lead with 6.4 boards per game. Whitfield was given All-MAC Honorable Mention last season and was named to the CSM 2011-12 Preseason All-Conference Third-Team.

Hutcheson (6’7”), who started 34 games last season, is from Marion, Iowa. Hutcheson scored 7.4 points per game last season and grabbed five rebounds per game while tying for the team lead with 27 blocks.

The man in the middle for the Broncos will be the 6’9” 290 lbs sophomore Matt Stainbrook, who hails from Bay Village, Ohio. Stainbrook started 32 games last season and tied Whitfield for the team lead with 6.4 boards per game. He averaged 8.8 points per game while tying Hutcheson for the team lead with 27 blocks.

The Broncos face a tough nonconference schedule this season, with road games against Temple University, Purdue University, the University of Alabama, Gonzaga University, Oakland University, and Duke University.

The Broncos should be the

WMU quarterback Alex Carder. “Coming off those two weeks, kind of a funky situation for us. Those two games didn’t feel like us as far as how we execute and the approach we take to games and I think this one we came out firing and we just had fun which was more of the focus this week.”

The Broncos have scored 40-plus points in all three of the teams’ MAC home

games.

WMU’s next game will be on the road at the Glass Bowl, as the Broncos will face the MAC West Division leading University of Toledo Rockets for an Election Night showdown, Tuesday, Nov 8.

Sixth-year senior receiver Jordan White had 9 receptions, 172 yards, and two touchdowns against BSU, putting his name in the

WMU record books three more times this week. White became the all-time receptions leader at WMU with (261), passing Steve Neal on the list. He also joined Neal and Super Bowl Champion of the Green Bay Packers Greg Jennings, as the only Bronco receivers to post back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons.

“I never really focused on them, just [MAC Championship] rings,” said WMU receiver Jordan White. “It’s nice to be recognized I guess, with people like Greg [Jennings] and Jamarko [Simmons]. My number one problem is staying healthy and I’ve done that for a year and nine games now.”

White is now just 160 yards short of Steve Neals’ school record of 3,599 receiving yards.

For the second time this season, three senior recievers eclipsed the 100-yard plateau in the same game and quarterback Alex Carder passed for over 400 yards.

White, Chleb Ravenell, and Robert Arnheim accounted for 26 receptions, 433 yards and three TD’s. Arnheim, who was a quarterback in high school, also threw his first career touchdown pass to White.

“Rob always talks about catching a TD pass and throwing one in the same game and he was finally able to do it,” said Jordan White.

“The first thing he said to me on the sideline was ‘That was a terrible pass and thanks for everything for pulling that in,’ he really wanted one.”

Alex Carder did have three interceptions and a fumble on the day, but never looked uncomfortable in the pocket going 29-for-41 and putting up 404 passing yards.

After two weeks of not having a 200-yard passing day, Carder boasted 246

yards in the first half to help push the Brown and Gold to a 4-0 home record.

“I thought Alex was outstanding,” said WMU head coach Bill Cubit.

“We went 11-of-15 on third down and that was huge, and on the other side we held them to 1-of-4 on fourth down and I thought that was huge as well. Great win, and I Kallie Strazdas / Western Herald couldn’t be Tevin Drake, celebrates with his happier the teammates after scoring during the way our kids football game against Ball State on competed, if you saw that Saturday, Oct. 29. potent Toledo offensive of game you got the horizon. your money’s worth.”

The defensive gave up Maybe the most important story of the day was a a lot of yards and points, struggling Broncos offensive but senior Drew Nowak led line that has been looking for the defense to key stops insome for consistency of late, cluding causing a goal-line came out and dominated interception by Demetrius the trenches all afternoon. Pettway, and added 1.5 sacks They protected Carder only on key third and fourth allowing one sack, created down BSU attempts.

“We’re all together playholes for Tevin Drake (who added 88 yards and a pair ing hard and fast,” said deof TD’s) and it looked like fensive tackle Drew Nowak. the Broncos offense that we “You have to have guys stick have come to expect to see together no matter what, this season was back in full and if we can continue that then we’re gonna be great for effect.

“I saw lot of resiliency the rest of the season.”

The Broncos will have from our kids out there today,” said WMU head coach ten days off before travelBill Cubit. “They were not ling to Toledo to face the real happy about how they MAC West Division leading played last week and wanted Rockets who defeated the to go out there and show it. Broncos at Waldo Stadium You don’t have a chance to sit last season.

“We have a big game there and moan and groan and feel sorry for yourself. against Toledo next week,” They went out there and White said. “I’ve got some friends that play there so I played.”

And just in time, with a wouldn’t mind whooping on them next Tuesday.”

Women’s Basketball

By Alexandra Harvey Staff Reporter

Western Michigan University’s women’s basketball team’s season is fast approaching. For their first game - an exhibition match against Indiana Tech, taking place on Nov. 3 - the women are already fired up for the season to begin.

Maria Iaquaniello, a fifth year senior, said the team has some lofty goals set for their 2011-2012 season.

“We want a winning preseason record, and a winning conference record,” Iaquaniello said. “And we’ve

got a lot of talent, and a solid foundation to get the season off right.”

Broncos head coach Tasha McDowell is also excited about the upcoming season.

“We’re a young team, but we’re very competitive and driven,” McDowell said.

And with seven freshman being added to the roster this year, the Brown and Gold will be not only be relying on the leadership of the seven returning players, but also their newest team members.

“We’ve got some high expectations,” McDowell said.

“I think last year we underachieved, but we’ve got the

talent to improve this year.”

Freshman guard Jazmine Windham is one of the newest additions to the Lady Broncos’ roster. Windham said she was drawn to Western because of the great coaching and ease at which she felt comfortable with the group. “It’s got a real family feel,” Windham said. “And I’m really looking forward to playing in Reed Field House - I hear the atmosphere is great.”

And Windham doesn’t have to wait long as she will have her first experience playing Reed Field House with her teammates this Thursday at 7:00 pm.

favorite to win their second straight MAC West title, and are in contention to win the MAC tournament and receive the right to represent the conference in the 2012 NCAA Tournament.

Kent State University finished with a conference best 25 wins (12 conf.) last season, but has lost its two leading scorers from last season. 2011 MAC tournament winner Akron University also poses a threat to the Broncos, returning two of their top three scorers from last season. Akron beat the Broncos in the semifinals of last year’s MAC tournament.

Women’s Soccer From Page 7

The shots, which were heavily effected by wind, with Western Michigan being the only team to register a shot on goal in the half, meant limited action for Broncos goalie, Michelle Watson, who recorded three saves, a credit to a defense that has played very well, while her Ball State counterpart, Aubrey Buehler, also recorded three saves, but ended up with the loss.

The first half went by

without any goals scored, and only the one shot on net for Western, and it took until the 74:23 mark in the second half for freshman Diana Dedvukaj, who had three of Western’s four shots on goal, to put in a header, her third goal of the season.

She was assisted by sophomore midfielder Megan Putnam, who pushed the ball out wide to the other assist on the goal, senior Stephanie Skowneski, who crossed the ball into the middle of the box creating

the only goal of the match.

The defense for Western kept Ball State from any corner kicks in the second half and only three shots on goal, making the goal stand up and pushing the Broncos to the next round of the tournament. This win makes six straight shutout victories for Western who will play Central Michigan, the second seed in the tournament, in the semifinals of the MAC tournament Friday, November 4th in Toledo.